Norman, Okla. — Mississippi State’s softball team pulled off a historic upset Sunday, defeating Oklahoma 3-0 to reach the Women’s College World Series for the first time in program history. The victory ended Oklahoma’s streak of 10 consecutive WCWS appearances, which dated back to 2015, according to sources.
Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised her team’s resilience and focus. “From the beginning, they never doubted,” she said. “They’ve worked every single day and raised the standard of this program. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Pitcher Delainey Everett silenced the Sooners on their home turf, pitching a shutout — the first in over 11 years at Oklahoma’s home field. Everett, who had pitched only 13.1 innings all season prior to this game, delivered an outstanding performance, despite having not appeared in the circle for three weeks.
“Delainey just competed her butt off,” Ricketts said. “What an outstanding game.” Everett, who lost her father earlier this year, said she believed her dad would be proud. “He coached me up until I got here,” she said. “I always know he’s here.”
The Bulldogs jumped ahead early, with Kinley Keller delivering a two-run single in the first inning. Keller added an infield single in the second, while Paige Ernstes and Morgan Bernardini hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth and fifth frames, respectively. Everett kept Oklahoma off the board, marking the first shutout against the Sooners in over a decade.
Despite the pressure, Mississippi State maintained confidence. “There was no pressure on us,” Ricketts said. “Everyone thought we’d be run-ruled in two games, but we fought anyway.”
Everett summed up the victory with a confident message: “An underdog is still a freakin’ Dawg. Everything we worked for came through today, and we ain’t done yet.”
Mississippi State will now prepare to face the winner of the upcoming regional final, with their historic run continuing into the postseason.
